“HILL’S “HINEMOA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 501, 2 November 1928, Page 15

“HILL’S “HINEMOA”

CHORAL SOCIETY’S MAORI PROGRAMME Although, when all is said and done, there is not a'great deal of scope in Alfred Hills’s “Hinemoa,” little fault could be found in the manner in which the work was handled, particularly by the chorus, by the Auckland Choral Society last evening. Vocally, at least, the society managed to make the best of its rather limited scope, and give a pleasing performance of a work which, although having the makings of a colourful opera, is certainly lacking in cantata form. Due no doubt to the artistry of Mr. Colin Muston this deficiency was compensated for by the really excellent descriptive effects obtained. This rather simple story of the romance of Hinemoa and Tutanekai was very convincingly told, and it was a compliment to the artistry of both soloists (and chorus that it was followed with keen interest. . _ Miss Alma McGruer, as the maid Hinemoa, was entrusted with the bulk of the story, and she told it well. Perhaps in some of the rather exacting passages in the lake-side scena, where ione or two awkward intervals are to be encountered, a little more flexibility on top would have been helpful, but nevertheless it can be classed as a really successful performance. Miss McGruer’s is a really pleasing soprano and her naturally satisfying tone by 'no means suffers as a result of the lartistic restrain always exercised. Her 'best work was done in the second Isons (lake-side at evening), and in 'the final duet with Tutanekai. The role of Tutanekai was sung by Mr. Barry Coney, who brought a wellcontrolled baritone of ample range, plus matured experience, to bear on the task. He was eminently successful. Mr. Lambert Harvey made a pleasing impression as Tiki *n the duet with Hinemoa, and Mr Frank Sutherland was more than sufficiently equipped to make a most impressive tohunga in the prologue. As before, the work of the chorus was distinctly good, particularly pleasing being the rousing Warrior Chorus by basses and tenors, and the work of the soprano and contralto parts the Fairies’ Song. In this Jitter Mr. Muston obtained a very fine tonal C *Thß orchestration is not particularly attractive and with the unavoidable lack of variety the orchestra was set a rather difficult task. Under the circumstances the work of the mstru mentalists under the leadership of Miss Edith Whitelaw, L.R.A.M., is to be commended. The accompaniments were of a good standard. The remaining portion of programme was devoted to Maori songs and very interesting it proved. Alfred Hill’s popular "Waiata Poi was sung by Mrs. Harold King. Attired in native costume she gave the poi play—“that, fascinating thing, tiny balls on end of string”—with such rhythm that, without the song, it would have been music. A repetition was demanded. ' Mr. Barry Coney sang the tuneful “Waiata Maori” with a chorus supplied by Maori boys and girls- from St. Stephen’s and Victoria Colleges, and this too proved very popular. The choruses by the Maori pupils proved particularly interesting. Mr. Thompson Waipouri took the solo in “Pokare Kare.” a particularly tuneful number, in which his rich restrained baritone proved most effective. Perhaps the most popular, however, were Hemi Piripata’s “Titi-Torea,” and the animated “Huri Huri,” and the exquisitely plaintive “Hine E Hine.” The “Song of the Locust,” a rhythmic shouting song, proved very interesting. The arranging of an all-Maori programme has undoubtedly proved very successful, a large and very appreciative audience giving unmistakable indications of this, and further opportunities of hearing these sweet-voiced Maori choristers in the native songs of New Zealand, now far too rarely heard, will be welcomed.